My opinion differs... IMO, for a petite corona the PLPC is the better choice. The RYJ Romeo #2 goes for about ~$140 for 25. I can get PLPCs for ~$250 for a 50 cab. I find the Romeo #2 to be on par with the Monte #4. The PLPC consistently gets rave reviews.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against RYJ. I love cazadores in particular.

Obviously the above is just my preference, I'm not trying to get in war over opinion.

I purchased my humidor, cutter, and lighter from there with the expectation that we wold build a relationship. I'm dissappointed. He says that he would loose his license if he were to. Seems fishy as I deal in wine and beer and almost everyone offers case discounts in booze.

I purchased my humidor, cutter, and lighter from there with the expectation that we wold build a relationship. I'm dissappointed. He says that he would loose his license if he were to. Seems fishy as I deal in wine and beer and almost everyone offers case discounts in booze.

TIA.

FWIW, I am looking for Davidoff 2000 Millenia Coronas.

Change your google search to "Millennium" rather than Millenia and you'll find some hits.

Now this is my kinda thread! Let's just say I smoke waaaay too often, and way too much.

This thread makes me want to have a cigar right now, at 9:45 in the morning

So I walked into one of the many cigar lounges in my area & I meet the owner. Cool dude, tells me he has bikini clad waitresses on the weekends and then proceeds to show me his Cubans. $20/smoke. They look real. Good deal???

This thread makes me want to have a cigar right now, at 9:45 in the morning

So I walked into one of the many cigar lounges in my area & I meet the owner. Cool dude, tells me he has bikini clad waitresses on the weekends and then proceeds to show me his Cubans. $20/smoke. They look real. Good deal???

This thread makes me want to have a cigar right now, at 9:45 in the morning

So I walked into one of the many cigar lounges in my area & I meet the owner. Cool dude, tells me he has bikini clad waitresses on the weekends and then proceeds to show me his Cubans. $20/smoke. They look real. Good deal???

Hard to tell if it's a good deal, as it depends on the smoke. $20 for a BBF is too much, $20 for a cohiba lancero is about right. What makes you say they look real btw? Did he still have some intact boxes? Do you have previous experience with habanos? Just curious.

It was by the Balboa Pier. About 2 streets down on the boardwalk. Cant miss it

They were Cohibas. I havent really dealt with cubans much at all, so Im not really positive what to look for. Labels looked legit, ring sizes were not perfect & bottom of the box looked genuine stamped.

It was by the Balboa Pier. About 2 streets down on the boardwalk. Cant miss it

They were Cohibas. I havent really dealt with cubans much at all, so Im not really positive what to look for. Labels looked legit, ring sizes were not perfect & bottom of the box looked genuine stamped.

you need to watch out at cigar shops. Sometimes even the employees don't know what the fuck they are talking about, and sometimes they do know what they are talking about and will sell you fake cubans and laugh about it when you walk out with some. The best way to tell is experience. When you smoke enough cubans you develop a sense of what is fake and what isn't.

I have smoked so many different cigars that I cannot even begin to remember them all. What I can say is that the Padron 3000 maduro is my go to cigar to compare all others to. They are the most consistent cigar ever.

you need to watch out at cigar shops. Sometimes even the employees don't know what the fuck they are talking about, and sometimes they do know what they are talking about and will sell you fake cubans and laugh about it when you walk out with some. The best way to tell is experience. When you smoke enough cubans you develop a sense of what is fake and what isn't.

This is good advice. If you don't have the experience, find someone who does that you trust and bring them with you. Here's some more guidance, things I've learned over the years when it comes to cubans:

1. As for experimenting with new vendors, your first purchase should always be made with what you consider to be throw away money. They may have a great reputation, but every new vendor should be dealt with with suspicion to begin with. You don't have to voice that suspicion, but they're guilty until proven otherwise.

2. You should always order the first box from a seller you've never done business with before "intact" where possible, IMO. Singles and mixed sampler packs should be avoided until you trust the seller.

3. Once you do trust the seller, it's usually good to form a first name basis relationship with them if possible.

4. The first order from a new seller should be a "consistent" cigar, ideally it should be relatively distinctive, and preferably something you are already familiar with.

5. Generally stay away sellers who won't ship intact.

6. Stay away from vendors who won't guarantee shipping.

7. Look for vendors that are authorized by Habanos SA.

8. If prices look to good to be true, they probably are.

As I mentioned before, I'll get more into spotting fakes without smoking them later when my next shipment arrives. However, there is ultimately no substitute for developing a feel for the texture, flavor, and aroma of habanos.

I always understood Cubans in the same box will vary in size, since all the good rollers fled to Dom. Rep & Nicuragua early on in search of a better life. They have better wages and working conditions over there in general. Therefore Cuba is left with the inferior rollers & kids who cant flee the country. So they typically utilize a bunch of kids to roll their smokes & the result are a bunch of imperfections that still get sold.

I always understood Cubans in the same box will vary in size, since all the good rollers fled to Dom. Rep & Nicuragua early on in search of a better life. They have better wages and working conditions over there in general. Therefore Cuba is left with the inferior rollers & kids who cant flee the country. So they typically utilize a bunch of kids to roll their smokes & the result are a bunch of imperfections that still get sold.

But I havent been there so I cant tell for certain

Absolutely wrong!! When you look at cuban cigars in a box, they are always exactly the same size. None of the cigars should be shorter or longer then the others, and there is never any stray leaves hanging out. They are always pristine looking. The wrappers are always very smooth, i.e. no veins or stems bulging. And when you smell them, it should smell like manure and NOT like the cedar box. The bands are always perfectly aligned on every cigar. And finally, there should be no discoloration on any of the cigars.

Absolutely wrong!! When you look at cuban cigars in a box, they are always exactly the same size. None of the cigars should be shorter or longer then the others, and there is never any stray leaves hanging out. They are always pristine looking. The wrappers are always very smooth, i.e. no veins or stems bulging. And when you smell them, it should smell like manure and NOT like the cedar box. The bands are always perfectly aligned on every cigar. And finally, there should be no discoloration on any of the cigars.

Agreed. You clearly know your stuff. There are a couple of exceptions to some of the above however, but as a general rule you're spot on.

Andrew, had no idea you enjoyed a fine cigar. I have a vinotemp housing my sticks right now. It's getting pretty empty, so I need to make a trip to the local B&M. Come in the ol' chat and let's talk about doing some box splits